*** From our illustrious leader ***
July 21, 2020
Dear MCI Residents,
Effective 7/27/20, we will begin a pilot program to copy all incoming personal mail before it is distributed to the residents. This is not a grievable concern and it has been approved through the appropriate administration. We are making this change in order to combat contraband.
We will begin installing exhaust fans in the dormitories on 8/3/20. When your living area is under construction, you will move to the gym between the hours of 7:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Thank you in advance for your patience while we complete this long-awaited project.
Cleaning and disinfecting plans must be followed where services are expanding. Phones must be sanitized between use. Be sure to clean high traffic areas like door handles, chairs, tables, and telephones in the living areas frequently. Sanitize your space at least twice a day. Empty your trash regularly. Cleanliness is everyones responsibility!
Masks must be worn in common areas. You must sleep head to toe. As a reminder, your best defense against the COVID-19 virus is frequent and proper hand washing. Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds each time.
Men it is important that you continue theses safety practices. Just as we have had step down meetings to expand services, we could be scheduled for step up meetings if we are not following these practices. I want to make sure we are maximizing health and safety opportunities.
I will keep you updated as information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Lyneal Wainwright
Warden
***
There is our latest update. It's laughable that she has the grit to proclaim that "I want to make sure we are maximizing health and safety opportunities." Where to begin? Perhaps a bulleted list -
* Hand sanitizer that is brought in the locks is now being diluted by half with water.
* For years we received two milks with breakfast, now it's only three days a week.. Milk is a huge percentage of the protein on our menu, everything else is carb forward.
* The portions we are served just keel getting smaller. Honestly, the best visual for this would be an elementary school lunch with scant handfuls of food. Again, glad to have food at all, but at least give us the full portion in your ladles. The Aramark workers actually yell at the inmate kitchen workers if the scoop is too full when it's served to us. Keep in mind that hundreds of pounds of food is thrown away after every meal.
* Toon, the drug that is sprayed onto paper then smoked is the real pandemic in Marion. Guys are dropping out daily, often multiple times, taken to 'medical' given a stern talking to and sent back to the lock to get high again. Morning to night, Toon is smoked openly and without fear of reprimand because of how often it happens. Guys walk around dazed, some unable to walk some passing out on the floor. Some vomit, some walk into closed doors. The more powerful Toon causes guys to hallucinate, trying to swim on the floor, jumping from table to table, scream incoherently and become combative. The message above references reducing contraband by copying all incoming mail. Is will help, but there are other ways drugs are being introduced into Marion. If it's not the inmates, it has to be staff/contractors who are bringing in the potentially deadly material.
* Mask wearing is required of inmates. Staff often don't wear it properly and then discipline inmates for doing the very same thing. Do as I say, not as I do.
Stay cool and healthy! Don't smoke paper!